Their first anniversary was far from the textbook definition of perfection. But it was just that: perfect. For them.
The day began way too early for either of their liking, with a body drop at three a.m. They answered their phones groggily, in their usual echo of 'Rizzoli' and 'Isles'. After they hung up with dispatch, they traded soft smiles and lingering kisses. They whispered 'Happy anniversary' to each other with bright eyes before they slunk out of bed to face the day.
Maura had arranged for different officers to approach the detective throughout the day with small gifts of appreciation and inside jokes.
Jane had persuaded various lab technicians to provide the doctor with pictures of the two of them throughout their relationship, with Jane's personal annotations included on the backs for Maura's enjoyment.
They were small things, minor details, but it meant the world to each of them that the other had put such thought and consideration into the gifts.
Bass and Jo were not left out of the festivities either. Once six o'clock had rolled around, the pair sprinted for home to present the pets with their own anniversary gifts. Bass received a large box of British strawberries, courtesy of Jane, while Maura gave one very excited Jo Friday a new chew toy.
Jane wrapped an arm around Maura's waist and kissed her delicately on the cheek before sending her upstairs to change for their dinner reservation at seven. Regardless of the fact that they were both absolutely exhausted, they were anticipating the romantic air of the rest of the evening.
Both ladies were decked out in dresses when they met back up at the front door. Jane's was a midnight blue, sleeveless knee-length, whereas Maura's was a burgundy, strapless one. They briefly debated forgoing dinner entirely once they saw what the other was wearing, but as fate would have it, before any sinful activities could begin, Angela walked in the front door.
"Oh, my girls, you look absolutely stunning!" She smiled widely at the two picturesque women.
Jane blushed, "Ma..."
Maura grinned at the look on her wife's face and thanked Angela for the compliment.
"I just came over to ask if you two wanted me to make myself scarce for the evening...?" Angela enquired, throwing the two of them a knowing look.
Jane returned it with a look of her own. "Sure Ma, it's not like you timed it just so you' catch us all dressed up before we went for dinner or anything."
Angela gave a half-shrug that would've impressed Jane on any other occasion. "Of course not. But now that you mention it, I do happen to have my camera right here." She pulled it out and snapped a few quick pictures of the two before excusing herself.
"My mother-" Jane began.
"Is a wonderful human being who just wishes to be a part of your life?" Maura finished. "Yes, I agree."
Jane hummed happily, "You're perfect."
Maura rolled her eyes, but seemed pleased nevertheless. "Come on, let's go to dinner. We're not getting more youthful."
Snorting, Jane corrected her, "It's 'we're not getting any younger', Maur." The doctor was thoughtful for a moment. "It sounds more poetic my way."
Jane simply escorted her out of the house, a small smirk gracing her lips.
She was startled awake by a raucous thud, losing the lingering tendrils of her dream. No, of her memory.
The statistics she'd gathered told her that it was a 99% probability that it was only Bass who'd managed to bump into something in the midst of his midnight jaunt, but she'd always had Jane beside her to protect her from that one percent. No matter what time it was, or how many nights Maura'd woken from the same sort of noise, Jane would always get up, take her firearm, and scope out the house just in case.
They'd never had a problem.
It's not like Maura couldn't defend herself, but even now she couldn't make herself slip out of bed to investigate. Her legs curled up in front of her, putting her in a child-like embrace with her arms hugging her knees. There wasn't even Jo around to snuggle with or send on a scouting mission.
She was alone.
She was alone and there was something moving downstairs. Without thinking, she reached for her phone on the nightstand and dialled the number automatically.
" 'Lo?" a tired, but not groggy voice answered. She hadn't been asleep.
"Jane?" Maura whispered in a small voice.
"Maur?" Jane asked, shocked.
"There's something in the house."
Jane cleared her throat quietly. "I'll be by in half an hour to take a look. Spare key still in the same place?"
Maura nodded before realizing Jane wouldn't be able to see it. "Yes."
"Stay where you are. I'm on my way."